U.S. patent application number 11/611826 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-19 for search results from selected sources.
This patent application is currently assigned to IAC Search & Media, Inc.. Invention is credited to Daniel J. Read.
Application Number | 20080147709 11/611826 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39528845 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080147709 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Read; Daniel J. |
June 19, 2008 |
SEARCH RESULTS FROM SELECTED SOURCES
Abstract
A user interface is described; having a search box for entering
a search query. The search box and other components remain
stationary when conducting a search. A toolbox is provided with
links to different views for conducting category-specific searches,
and the links are editable.
Inventors: |
Read; Daniel J.; (San
Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN
1279 OAKMEAD PARKWAY
SUNNYVALE
CA
94085-4040
US
|
Assignee: |
IAC Search & Media,
Inc.
Oakland
CA
|
Family ID: |
39528845 |
Appl. No.: |
11/611826 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ;
707/999.102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/951
20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/102 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/30 20060101
G06F017/30 |
Claims
1. A user interface, comprising: a first search box; a first
content area; first content within the first content area, the
first content including first search results responsive to a first
search query entered in the first search box and including at least
a first category; and a source selector to select a source of the
first search results of the first category from a plurality of
sources.
2. The user interface of claim 1, further comprising: a first view,
wherein the first search box is in the first view; a second view,
wherein the content area and the content are in the second view,
and the second view further includes a source-selection link; and a
source-selection area that opens upon selection of the
source-selection link, the source selector being in the
source-selection area.
3. The user interface of claim 2, further comprising a complete
link in the source-selection area, the source-selection area
closing upon selection of the complete link.
4. The user interface of claim 1, further comprising: a second
search box; a second content area; and second content within the
second content area, the second content including search results
responsive to a second search query, that is different from the
first search query, entered in the second search box, and being
based on the selected source.
5. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the first content
includes a plurality of categories, the source of the first search
results of the first category being selectable within the source
selector without modifying a source of the first search results of
the second category.
6. A method of interfacing with a client site, comprising:
receiving a source selection and a search query from client site to
said at least one server; and providing search results from said at
least one server for display at the client site, the search results
being based on the search query and being from a source selected
based on the source selection from a plurality of sources.
7. A computer-readable medium, having a set of instructions stored
thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a computer, carries
out a method of interfacing with a client site, comprising:
receiving a source selection and a search query from client site to
said at least one server; and providing search results from said at
least one server for display at the client site, the search results
being based on the search query and being from a source selected
based on the source selection from a plurality of sources.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1). Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a user interface, typically of the
kind used for conducting Internet searches, a method for conducting
a search and interfacing with a client site, and a network system
with associated computer systems and storage media,
[0003] 2). Discussion of Related Art
[0004] Computer systems can be used for accessing and downloading
pages and documents from remote sites over the Internet. These
remote sites can be accessed by entering a uniform resource locator
(URL) in an address box in a browser. An Extensible Markup Language
(XML) file can also be specified in various RSS formats, such as
Really Simple Syndication (RSS 2.0), or Rich Site Summary (RSS
0.91; RSS 1.0). RSS delivers its information as an XML file called
an "RSS feed," "Web feed," "RSS stream," or "RSS channel,". RSS
readers are typically constructed as standalone programs or
extensions to existing programs such as Web browsers and e-mail
readers.
[0005] Search engines are often used to find Web pages, documents,
and RSS feeds over the Internet. A server site crawler periodically
collects data from remote sites over the Internet, and the data is
indexed into a search database. A search engine provider provides
an interface with a search box for entering a search query. The
search query is transmitted from a client site to the server, and
is used to parse or extract data from the search database. A search
results page is then transmitted from the server to the client
site, and lists a plurality of URLs that can be selected by a user
and directs the user to selected ones of the remote sites.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention provides a user interface, comprising a first
search box, a first content area, first content within the first
content area, the first content including first search results
responsive to a first search query entered in the first search box
and including at least a first category, and a source selector to
select a source of the first search results of the first category
from a plurality of sources.
[0007] The user interface may further comprise a first view,
wherein the first search box is in the first view, a second view,
wherein the content area and the content are in the second view,
and the second view may further include a source-selection link,
and a source-selection area that opens upon selection of the
source-selection link, the source selector being in the
source-selection area.
[0008] The user interface may further comprise a complete link in
the source-selection, area, the source-selection area closing upon
selection, of the complete link,
[0009] The user interface may further comprise a second search box,
a second content area, and second content within the second content
area, the second content including search results responsive to a
second search query that is different from the first search query,
entered in the second search box, and being based on the selected
source.
[0010] The first content includes a plurality of categories, the
source of the first search results of the first category being
selectable within the source selector without modifying a source of
the first search results of the second category.
[0011] The invention further provides a method of interfacing with
a client site, comprising receiving a source selection and a search
query from client site to said at least one server, and providing
search results from said at least one server for display at the
client site, the search results being based on the search query and
being from a source selected based on the source selection from a
plurality of sources.
[0012] The invention further provides a computer-readable medium,
having a set of instructions stored thereon, which, when executed
by a processor of a computer, carries out a method of interfacing
with a client site, comprising receiving a source selection and a
search query from client site at to at least one server, and
providing search results from said at least one server for display
at the client site, the search results being based on the search
query and being from a source selected based on the source
selection from a plurality of sources.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention is further described by way of examples with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein;
[0014] FIG. 1 is a view of a browser having a user interface
according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, after a cursor is moved
over a minimizer size selector;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, after the minimizer size
selector is selected;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2, after a tile on which a
search view link is located is selected and while the tile is being
dragged;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, after the tile has been
dropped;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of client and server interaction
illustrating how an order of search view links is edited;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5, after a "Next" button is
selected to display a second plurality of search view links;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of client and server interaction
illustrating pagination through subsequent pluralities of search
view links;
[0022] FIG. 9 is an "Edit" view that opens when an "Edit" link in
FIG. 7 is selected and further shows a drop-down list of alternate
search view links;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9, after one of the
alternate search view links is selected;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10, illustrating dragging
of a tile in a manner similar to FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11, after the tile is
dropped;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 7, after search view links
are edited as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of client and server interaction
showing editing of search view links;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a network environment, in
which the user interface of FIG. 1 can find application;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a flow chart of client and server interaction
illustrating how a search is conducted in the network environment
of FIG. 15, and using the interface of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIGS. 17 through 22 are further views of the user interface
after individual ones of the search view links are selected;
[0031] FIG. 23 is a search results view that appears in response to
a search conducted using the view of FIG. 22;
[0032] FIG. 24 is a further view of the user interface, when a
further one of the search view links is selected;
[0033] FIG. 25 is a results view when a search is conducted in the
view of FIG. 24;
[0034] FIG. 26 is a results view when, a search is conducted using
the same search query as in FIG. 24, but using, for example, the
view of FIG. 1, further illustrating how the view of FIG. 25 can be
obtained from the view of FIG. 26;
[0035] FIG. 27 is a view similar to FIG. 25, further showing a
preview window that appears when mousing over an icon in the view
of FIG. 25;
[0036] FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 27, illustrating
persistence of the preview window and RSS feed-generated
information within the preview window;
[0037] FIG. 29 is a flow chart illustrating client and server
interaction to generate and close the preview window;
[0038] FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a computer system that can
find use in the network environment of FIG. 15;
[0039] FIG. 31 is a view of the browser of FIG. 1 having a user
interface according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 32 is a view similar to FIG. 31, further illustrating
vertical scrolling in a content area of the user interface while
components in a search area of the user interface remain
stationary;
[0041] FIG. 33 is a view similar to FIG. 32, after scrolling in an
opposite direction as in FIG. 32;
[0042] FIG. 34 is a view similar to FIG. 33, illustrating a
slide-and-fade action to transform the sizes and content of the
content area and the search area of FIG. 33;
[0043] FIG. 35 is a view similar to FIG. 34, after content has
faded into the content area and into the search area;
[0044] FIG. 36 is a flow chart illustrating slide-and-fade action
and instructions between the client site and the server;
[0045] FIG. 37 is a view similar to FIG. 35, illustrating vertical
scrolling of content within the content area of FIG. 35;
[0046] FIG. 38 is a view similar to FIG. 37, illustrating scrolling
in an opposite direction as in FIG. 37, and further illustrating
entry of a search query in a search box;
[0047] FIG. 39 is a view of the user interface after a search is
carried out and search results are displayed in the content area,
together with narrowing search results and expanding search results
in a search area;
[0048] FIGS. 40A to 40D are views of the user interface while a new
search query is entered in the search box, and specifically
illustrates search suggestions that are continually updated within
the search area;
[0049] FIG. 41 is a flow chart illustrating server and client
interaction to update the search suggestions;
[0050] FIG. 42 is a view similar to FIG. 40D after a cursor is
moved into a category area of a content area to bring a search icon
within the category area into view;
[0051] FIG. 43 is a view similar to FIG. 42, after the search icon
is selected to open a search box and search button within the
category area;
[0052] FIG. 44 is a view similar to FIG. 43, after the cursor is
moved into further category areas and further search boxes and
search buttons are brought into view;
[0053] FIG. 45 is a flow chart illustration, server and client
interaction to conduct a search within a category using the
interface in the views of the FIG. 43 or 44;
[0054] FIG. 46 is a view of the user interface after a first search
is conducted, and specifically illustrating a source-selection link
for one category of the search results;
[0055] FIG. 47 is a view similar to FIG. 46, after the
source-selection link is selected and a source-selection, area
opens;
[0056] FIG. 48 is a view similar to FIG. 47, after a source is
selected;
[0057] FIG. 49 is a view similar to FIG. 46, after a "Submit"
button is selected in FIG. 48 to update search results within the
category; and
[0058] FIG. 50 is a flow chart illustrating server and client
interaction to conduct a first search, change a source of search
results for one category, and conduct a subsequent search.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0059] FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a browser 10
that displays a user interface 12 according to an embodiment of the
invention. The browser 10 may, for example, be an Internet
Explorer.RTM., Firefox.RTM., Netscape.RTM., or any other browser.
The browser has an address box 14, a viewing pane 16, and various
buttons such as back and forward buttons 18. The browser 10 is
loaded on a computer at the client site. A user at the client site
can load the browser 10 into memory, so that the browser 10 is
displayed on a screen of the computer at the client site. The user
enters an address (in the present example, the Internet address
http://www.ask.com/) in the address box 14. A mouse is used to move
a cursor 20 into the address box 14, and a button is clicked on the
mouse. After clicking of the button on the mouse, the user can use
a keyboard to enter text into the address box 14. The user then
presses "Enter" on the keyboard. A command is then sent over the
Internet requesting a page corresponding to the address that is
entered into the address box 14. The page is retrieved and
transmitted to the client site and displayed within the viewing
pane 16.
[0060] In the present example, the page that is retrieved is a
"Web" view 22 forming part of the user interface 12. The "Web" view
22 has a larger first area 24 and smaller rectangular second area
26. The rectangular second area 26 has substantially equal-length
upper and lower edges 28 and 30 that are respectively at distances
32 and 34 from an upper edge of the first area 24 of the user
interface 12. The rectangular second area 26 also has substantially
equal-length left and right side edges 36 and 38 respectively that
are at distances 40 and 41 respectively from a right edge of the
first area 24 of the user interface 12. A length of the left side
edge 36 is more than a length of the lower edge 30. A size or first
surface area of the rectangular second area 26 is approximately a
multiple of a length of the lower edge 30 and a length of the left
side edge 36.
[0061] The user interface 12 further includes a plurality of search
view links 42, a minimizer size selector 44, an "Edit" selector 45,
and a "Next" selector 48, all under the heading "Toolbox." The
minimizer size selector 44 is located in a top right-hand corner of
the rectangular second area 26. The search view links 42 are
located vertically below one another within the second area 26.
Each search view link 42 includes a respective image 46 and
respective text 54. The "Edit" selector 45 and the "Next" selector
48 are located in the bottom left and right corners respectively of
the second area 26.
[0062] The user interface 12 further includes a logo 56, a search
box 58, a search button 60, static text 62, and informational links
64, all located to the left of the second area 26. The user
interface 12 also includes graphics 66 along an upper border of the
first area 24. The logo 56 in the present example is a trademark
Ask.com.TM. of a company. The informational links 64 are links to
informational sites of the same company. The mouse can be placed in
the search box 58 and, after clicking the mouse, the keyboard can
be used to enter text into the search box 58. The mouse can then be
used to click on the search button 60. When the "Web" view 22 is
used, a search is carried out on a search database that holds
information regarding websites across the Internet.
[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates the cursor 20 after it has been moved
over the minimizer size selector 44. The cursor 20 has changed from
an arrow shape to a hand shape. The hand shape of the cursor 20
indicates that the minimizer size selector 44 is sensitive for
being selected.
[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates the user interface 12 after the minimizer
size selector 44 is selected by pressing or clicking a button on
the mouse while the cursor 20 is in the position shown in FIG. 2.
The second area 26 now has a second surface area that is less than
the first surface area in FIG. 2 and discussed with reference to
FIG. 1. The upper and lower edges 28 and 30 have remained at the
same distances 32 and 34 from the upper edge of the first area 24
of the user interface 12. The right side edge 38 has remained at
the same distance 42 from the right edge of the first area 24 of
the user interface 12. The left side edge 36 is now located at a
distance 70 from the right edge of the first area 24 of the user
interface 12. The distance 70 in FIG. 3 is less than the distance
40 in FIG. 2. As such, the lower edge 30 of the second area 26 is
now shorter in FIG. 3 than in FIG. 1. A surface area of the second
area in FIG. 3 is a multiple of the length of the lower edge 30 and
the left side edge 36.
[0065] Viewability of the search view links 42 is also reduced in
FIG. 3 compared to FIG. 2. Specifically, only the images 46 are
viewable, and not the corresponding text 54 of FIG. 2.
[0066] The "Edit" selector 45 shown in FIG. 2 is not viewable in
the user interface 12 in FIG. 3. The "Next" selector 48 in FIG. 2
includes the text "Next" and two arrows to the right. As shown in
FIG. 3, the "Next" selector 48 only has the two arrows pointing to
the right.
[0067] The user interface 12 in FIG. 3 further includes a maximizer
size selector 72 located above the search view links 42. The
maximizer size selector 72 has the same shape and dimensions as the
minimizer size selector 44 in FIG. 2, and the only difference is
that the maximizer size selector 72 includes a "plus" sign, whereas
the minimizer size selector 44 includes a "minus" sign. The cursor
20 can again be positioned over the maximizer size selector 72,
which will change the cursor 20 from an arrow into a hand,
indicating that the maximizer size selector 72 is sensitive for
purposes of selection. The button on the mouse can then again be
clicked to select the maximizer size selector 72. After selection
of the maximizer size selector 72, the rectangular second area 26
reverts to its dimensions shown in FIG. 2 and includes the text 54
of the search view links 42.
[0068] The search view links 42 provide the user with useful links
to different types of searches that can be conducted. The ability
to minimize and maximize the rectangular second area 26 allows the
user to switch between a mode in FIG. 2, wherein more complete
information is available to the user and a sleeker interface in
FIG. 3. The user can click on the search view links 42 in both the
modes shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, and be directed to other views
than the "Web" view 22, for purposes of conducting searches other
than a "Web" search.
[0069] Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the second area 26 has
upper and lower stationary tiles 80 and 82, and ten movable tiles
84. A heading "Search Tools" and the minimizer size selector 44 are
located in the upper stationary tile 80. The "Edit" selector 46 and
the "Next" selector 48 are located in the lower stationary tile 82.
Each one of the search view links 42 is located on a respective one
of the movable tiles 84. The movable tiles 84 are located below one
another in an order so that the search view links 42 have a first
order, namely: "Web," "Images," "News," "Maps & Directions,"
"Local," "Weather," "Encyclopedia," "Ask for Kids," "Dictionary,"
and "Blogs & Feeds."
[0070] The cursor 20 can be positioned over a selected one of the
movable tiles 84, for example the movable tile 84 that includes the
search view link 42 having the name "Web." When clicking on the
respective search view link 42, the cursor 20 changes to a cross,
as illustrated in FIG. 4. While holding down the button that is
used for clicking on the respective search view link 42 and moving
the cursor 20 by, for example, moving the mouse, the respective
movable file 84 can be moved from a first location, in the first
order shown, to a second location in the first order. In the
present example, the movable tile 84 holding the search view link
42 having "Web" thereon is moved from a position at the top in the
first order to a position between the second and third movable
files 84 respectively holding the search view links 42 "Images" and
"News." A temporary grayed-out tile 86 moves with the cursor 20.
The temporary grayed-out tile 86 has the text "Web" therein, which
is the same as the text in the upper movable tile 84. The temporary
grayed-out tile 86 indicates where the movable tile 84 having the
text "Web" therein will be located, should the button on the mouse
be released. The button on the mouse is then released.
[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates the user interface 12 after the button on
the mouse is released. The temporary grayed-out tile 86 has
disappeared. The movable tile 84 having the search view link 42
with the title "Web" is now located second from the top in the
order of the search view links 42. The order of the search view
links 42 has a second order in FIG. 5 that is different from the
first order in FIG. 2.
[0072] What should be noted is that the only difference between the
user interfaces 12 of FIG. 5 and FIG. 2 is that the order of the
movable tiles 84 and therefore the order of the search view links
42 has changed. All other components of the user interface 12, for
example the positions of the logo 56, search box 58, search button
60, static text 62, informational links 64, graphics 66, the edges
28, 30, 36, and 38 of the second area 26, the minimizer size
selector 44, and the "Edit" and "Next" selectors 46 and 48, are the
same in FIG. 5 as in FIG. 2. Furthermore, the locations and
viewability of these components do not change during the entire
time period between the user interface 12 shown in FIG. 2 and the
user interface 12 shown in FIG. 5.
[0073] FIG. 6 illustrates the process for changing the order of the
search view links between the first order shown in FIG. 2 and the
second order shown in FIG. 5. In Step 90, a command is transmitted
to select one of the search view links. The command is transmitted
from a client site to a server site. In Step 92, the command that
is transmitted in Step 90 that one of the search view links has
been selected is received at a server site. In Step 94, a command
is transmitted from the client site to drag the search view link.
In Step 96, the command that is transmitted in Step 94 is received
at the server site. In Step 98, a command is sent from the client
site to drop the search view link at a specific location in the
first order. In Step 100, the command that is transmitted in Step
98 to drop the search view link is received at the server site. In
Step 102, in response to the command to drop the search view link
received in Step 100, a command is transmitted from the server site
to the client site to change an order of the search view links.
[0074] Asynchronous javascript and XML (AJAX) is used to render and
update the order of the movable tiles 84 and therefore the order of
the search view links 42. The ability to reorder the search view
links 42 allows for a user to customize the search view links 42
according to personal preference. AJAX technology allows for the
user to easily change the order of the search view links 42 without
the need for being redirected to a separate view or a separate
page, and without losing viewability of the other components of the
user interface 12 while reordering the search view links 42.
[0075] Referring again to FIG. 5, the search view links 42 are a
first plurality of search view links 42 that are displayed on the
"Web" view 22. The cursor 20 can be moved over the "Next" selector
48, and the shape of the cursor 20 changes from an arrow shape into
a hand shape, indicating that the "Next" selector 48 is sensitive
for selection.
[0076] FIG. 7 illustrates the "Web" view 22 after the "Next"
selector 48 in FIG. 5 is selected by clicking the button on the
mouse. The "Next" selector 48 in FIG. 5 acts as a forward
pagination link, so that the first plurality of search view links
42 in FIG. 5 is replaced with a second plurality of search view
links 110 in FIG. 7. Each one of the search view links 110 is
located, on a respective movable tile 84, and the movable tiles 84
can be dragged and dropped as described with reference to FIG. 4 to
modify or edit the order of the search view links 110. All other
components on the "Web" view 22, including the logo 56, the search
box 58, the search button 60, the static text 62, informational
links 64, and graphics 66 remain stationary on the "Web" view 22. A
minimizer size selector 112 is provided and functions the same as
the minimizer size selector 44 in FIG. 5.
[0077] "Edit" and "Next" selectors 114 and 116 are provided in the
same locations as the "Edit" and "Next" selectors 46 and 48 in FIG.
5. A "Back" selector 118 is provided to the left of the "Next"
selector 116. By selecting the "Next" selector 116, the second
plurality of search view links 110 is replaced with yet a third
plurality of search view links (not shown). Alternatively, the
"Back" selector 118 can be selected. The "Back" selector 118 acts
as a reverse pagination link that replaces the second plurality of
search view links 110 with the first plurality of search view links
42, and thus returns the "Web" view 22 to the layout or view
illustrated in FIG. 5,
[0078] FIG. 8 illustrates how forward and reverse pagination
between respective sets of search view links occurs between a
client site and a server site. In Step 122, a first forward
pagination command is transmitted from a client site. In Step 124,
the first forward pagination command is received at the server
site. In Step 126, the first plurality of search view links is
replaced with the second plurality of search view links. In Step
128, as a result of Step 126, the second plurality of search view
links is displayed. At any time when the second plurality of search
view links is displayed as in Step 128, Step 130 can be carried
out, wherein a first reverse pagination command is transmitted from
the client site. In Step 132, the first reverse pagination command
is received at the server site. In Step 134, the second plurality
of search view links is replaced with the first plurality of search
view links. Step 122 can then again he carried out.
[0079] Alternatively to Step 130, in Step 136 a second forward
pagination command can be transmitted from the client site. In Step
138, the second forward pagination command is received at the
server site. In Step 140, the server site replaces the second
plurality of search view links with a third plurality of search
view links. In Step 142, a second reverse pagination command can be
transmitted from the client site. In Step 144, and in response to
Step 142, the server site replaces the third plurality of search
view links with the second plurality of search view links. As a
result, Step 136 is carried out, wherein the second plurality of
search view links is displayed.
[0080] Referring again to FIG. 5, the search view links 42
displayed in the "Web" view 22 are a first set of search view
links, including "Images," "Web," "News," "Maps & Directions,"
"Local," "Weather," "Encyclopedia," "Ask for Kids," "Dictionary,"
and "Blogs & Feeds." Each one of the search view links 42 in
the first set of search view links in the "Web" view 22 is
selectable to open another view from a first set of views and
simultaneously close a previous view. For example, when selecting
the search view link 42 entitled "Weather," the "Web" view 22 will
close and a "Weather" view (not shown) will open.
[0081] FIG. 9 illustrates an "Edit" view 150 that is used for
customizing which ones of the search view links 42 should be
included in the first set of view links in FIG. 5. The "Edit" view
150 opens when selecting the "Edit" selector 46 in the "Web" view
22 of FIG. 5. The exact same "Edit" view 150 also opens when
selecting the "Edit" selector 114 in FIG. 7,
[0082] The search view links 42 shown in FIG. 5 are displayed in
the "Edit" view 150, together with a drop-down selector 152
directly to the right and associated with each one of the search
view links 42, a "Complete" selector 154 labeled "Done," and a
"Cancel" selector 156. What should be noted is that the search view
links 42 include only the search view links 42 of the first set
shown in FIG. 5. When clicking on any one of the drop-down
selectors 152, a respective drop-down list 158 is displayed. The
drop-down list 158 includes a second set of search view links 160
that are different from the search view links 42 of the first set.
In the given example, the drop-down selector 152 next to the search
view link 42 labeled "Bloglines" is selected. The second set of
search view links 160 includes "Advanced Search," "Currency
Conversion," "Desktop," "Mobile Content," "Movies," "MyStuff,"
"Shopping," "Stocks," "Thesaurus," "Toolbar," "Unit Conversion,"
and "Weather." It is also possible to scroll down using a scroll
bar 162 to display further ones of the search view links 160.
[0083] In the present example, the search view link 160 labeled
"Toolbar" is selected. As shown in FIG. 10, the drop-down list 158
disappears, and the search view link 42 labeled "Bioglines" in FIG.
9 is replaced with a search view link 160 labeled "Toolbar." The
search view link 160 labeled "Toolbar" is thus now included in the
first set of search view links 42. Other ones of the search view
links 42 can be similarly replaced from a respective drop-down list
by selecting a respective drop-down selector 152.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 11, the search view links 42 and 160 can
have their order customized by dragging and dropping tiles on which
the respective search view links 42 or 160 are located, as
described with reference to FIG. 4. In the present example, the
search view link 42 labeled "Encyclopedia" is moved from a seventh
location, shown in FIG. 10, to a third location shown in FIG.
12.
[0085] Either the "Complete" selector 154 or the "Cancel" selector
156 can then be selected. Upon selection of the "Cancel" selector
156, the "Web" view 22 as shown in FIG. 5 opens with the search
view links 42, not including the search view link 160 labeled
"Toolbar." Upon selection of the "Complete" selector 154, the
"Edit" view 150 closes and the "Web" view 22 opens as shown in FIG.
13. The first set of search view links 42 in the "Web" view 22 of
FIG. 13 includes the search view link 160 labeled "Local." The
search view link 42 labeled "Encyclopedia" is moved from a location
at number seven in the list in FIG. 5 to a location at number three
in the list. The search view link 160 labeled "Local" can now be
selected to open a respective search view for conducting a local
search, and the "Web" view 22 is simultaneously closed. The search
view links 42 and 160 now have a third order that is different from
the second order discussed with reference to FIG. 5.
[0086] FIG. 14 illustrates server and client interaction to edit
the search view links 42. At Step 170, an "Edit" command is
submitted from the client site. At Step 172, the "Edit" command is
received, at the server. At Step 174, the server responds to the
"Edit" command by closing the "Web" view and opening the "Edit"
view. At Step 176, a user at the client site selects a search view
link from the drop-down list displayed at the client site. At Step
178, the user optionally modifies an order of the search view
links. At Step 180, the user can submit the "Cancel" command from
the client site. At Step 182, the server receives the "Cancel"
command from the client site. At Step 184, the server responds to
the "Cancel" command by closing the "Edit" view and opening the
"Web" view without changes. As an alternative to Step 180, the user
at Step 186 can submit a "Complete" command from the client site.
At Step 188, the server receives the "Complete" command. At Step
190, the server responds to the "Complete" command by closing the
"Edit" view and opening the "Web" view with changes appearing in
the "Web" view.
[0087] FIG. 15 illustrates a network environment 200 in which the
user interface 12 finds particular application. The network
environment 200 includes the Internet 202A, 202B, and 202C, one or
more server or servers 204, a plurality of client computers 206,
and a plurality of remote sites 208.
[0088] The server or servers 204 have stored thereon a crawler 210,
a collected data store 212, an indexer 214, a plurality of search
databases 216, a plurality of structured databases 218, a search
engine 220, the user interface 12, a client identification database
222, and reference sources 224. The crawler 210 is connected over
the Internet 202A to the remote sites 208. The collected data store
212 is connected to the crawler 210, and the indexer 214 is
connected to the collected data store 212. The search databases 216
are connected to the indexer 214. The search engine 220 is
connected to the search databases 216 and the structured databases
218. The client computers 206 are located at respective client
sites and are connected over the Internet 202B and the user
interface 12 to the search engine 220. The client computer
Identification database 222 is also connected to the user interface
12. The client computers 206 are also connected over the Internet
202C to the remote sites 208.
[0089] Reference is now made to FIGS. 15 and 16 in combination to
describe the functioning of the network environment 200. The
crawler 210 periodically accesses the remote sites 208 over the
Internet 202A (Step 230). The crawler 210 collects data from the
remote sites 208 and stores the data in the collected data store
212. The indexer 214 indexes the data in the collected data store
212 and stores the indexed data in the search databases 216 (Step
234). The search databases 216 may, for example, be a "Web"
database, a "News" database, a "Blogs & Feeds" database, an
"Images" database, etc. The structured databases 218 are licensed
from third-party providers and may, for example, include an
encyclopedia, a dictionary, maps, a movies database, etc.
[0090] A user at one of the client computers 206 accesses the user
interface 12 over the Internet 202B (Step 236). The client computer
206 also transmits a client computer identification to the user
interface 12 (Step 238). The user interface 12 retrieves client
computer settings from the client computer identification, database
222 corresponding to the client computer identification (Step 240).
The user interface 12 then adjusts the layout of the "Web" view 22
in accordance with the client computer settings and as described
with reference to FIGS. 1 through 14 (Step 242). The user can enter
a search query in the search box 58 in FIG. 13, and either hit
"Enter" on a keyboard or select the "Search" button 60 (Step 244).
The search engine 220 then uses the "Search" query to parse the
search databases 216 or the structured databases 218. In the
example of the "Web" view 22, the search engine 220 parses the
search database 216 having general Internet Web data (Step 246).
Various technologies exist for comparing or using a search emery to
extract data from databases, as will be understood by a person
skilled In the art.
[0091] The search engine 220 then transmits the extracted data over
the Internet 202B to the client computer 206 (Step 248). The
extracted data typically includes URL links to one or more of the
remote sites 208. The user at the client computer can select one of
the links to the remote sites 208 and access the respective remote
site 208 over the Internet 202C (Step 250). The server or servers
204 have thus assisted the user at the respective client computer
to find or select one or more of the remote sites 208 that have
data pertaining to the query entered by the user.
[0092] A user can select the search view link 42 labeled "Images"
in FIG. 13 to open an "Images" view 22A as shown in FIG. 17. Much
of the code that is used to generate the "Web" view 22 of FIG. 13
is the exact same code that is used to generate components of the
"Images" view 22A. It is assumed that the "Images" view 22A in FIG.
17 replaces the "Web" view 22 of FIG. 13, for example because FIGS.
13 and 17 are views at two different moments in time. The "Images"
view 22A, however, has similar components as the "Web" view 22, and
like components have like reference numerals appended with an "A"
in the "Images" view 22A of FIG. 17 when compared with the "Web"
view 22 of FIG. 13. What should also be noted is that all the
components in the "Images" view 22A in FIG. 17 are in the same
locations as the similar components in the "Web" view in FIG. 13.
For example, the search box 58A is in exactly the same location and
has the same dimensions and shape as the search box 58. The search
view links 42A are also in the same order as the third order of the
search view links 42. The "Edit" and "Next" selectors 46A and 48A
also function in the same way as the "Edit" and "Next" selectors 46
and 48 respectively. The order of the search view links 42A can
also be modified as described with reference to FIG. 4 or with
reference to FIG. 11. The "Images" view 22A also has a minimizer
size selector 44A that functions in the same way as the minimizer
size selector 44 in FIG. 13.
[0093] A primary difference between the "Images" view 22A of FIG.
17 and the "Web" view 22 of FIG. 13 is the underlying
functionality. When conducting a search in the "Web" view 22 of
FIG. 13, the search engine 220 in FIG. 15 searches one of the
search databases 216 holding general Internet data. In conducting a
search by entering a query in the search box 58A in the "Images"
view 22A of FIG. 17, the search engine 220 searches another one of
the search databases 216 holding image data. Data that is extracted
from such a search database include primarily images. Images may,
for example, be in jpeg, bitmap, or other formats for rendering
two-dimensional pictures.
[0094] FIGS. 18 through 22 illustrate further views that can be
opened by selecting respective ones of the search view links 42A-F
or 160 A-F. When, comparing FIGS. 13 and 17 through 21, it can be
seen that many of the components are located in exactly the same
locations from one view to another. What should be noted in
particular is that the second rectangular areas 26 and 26A-F are
located in exactly the same locations in the respective views 22
and 22A-F. The search boxes 58, 58A, 58B, and 58E are located in
exactly the same locations. The "Maps & Directions" view 22C of
FIG. 19 has three boxes 58C for entering data. The "Local" view 22D
of FIG. 20 has two boxes for entering data.
[0095] The "Currency Conversion" view 22F of FIG. 22 has a search
box 58F for entering a monetary amount, in the present example,
$500.00. The "Currency Conversion" view 22A also has two monetary
drop-down lists 260 and 262. A user can select a currency in each
one of the lists 260 and 262 and then select the search button 60F
for purposes of converting the monetary amount entered in the
search box 58F from the currency in the list 260 to the currency in
the list 262. FIG. 23 illustrates a "Currency Conversion Results"
view 266 that appears after the search button 60F in FIG. 22 is
selected. The "Currency Conversion" view 22F disappears and is
replaced by the "Currency Conversion Results" view 266. The
"Currency Conversion Results" view 266 includes a "Calculation
Result" 268. The "Calculation Result" 268 is calculated based on
the present exchange rate between the two currencies selected in
the monetary drop-down lists 260 and 262, and multiplying the
exchange rate by the monetary value entered in the search box 58F.
The "Currency Conversion Results" view 266 also includes search
boxes and drop-down lists such as the search box 58F and lists 260
and 262 in the "Currency Conversion" view 22F.
[0096] FIG. 24 illustrates a "Blogs & Feeds" view that opens
when, for example, the search view link 42E labeled "Blogs &
Feeds" in FIG. 22 is selected. A user enters a search request in
the search box 58G and selects the search button 60G.
[0097] FIG. 25 illustrates a "Blogs & Feeds" results view 266A
that opens when the user conducts the search in FIG. 24, and the
"Blogs & Feeds" view 22G closes. The "Blogs & Feeds"
results view 266A includes a plurality of search view links 270
horizontally across the top of the view 266A. The search view links
"Web," "Images," "News," and "Shopping" are selectable, and the
search view link "Blogs & Feeds" is not selectable The exact
same "Blogs & Feeds" results view 266A can also be obtained by,
for example, entering the same search criteria in the "Web" view 22
in FIG. 13 to open a "Web" results view 266B in FIG. 26 and
selecting a "Blogs & Feeds" view link at the top of the "Web"
results view.
[0098] The "Blogs & Feeds" results view 266A includes a
plurality of search result links 272. The search result links 272
are provided to the client site by the search engine 220 in FIG. 15
because they are URLs mat point to remote sites 208 in FIG. 15
containing RSS feed information or data.
[0099] A subset of the links 272 also have icons 274, in the
present example binoculars, positioned on the "Blogs & Feeds"
results view 266A in close proximity to the search results links
272. A respective icon 274 is located closest to a respective
search result link 272 to which it pertains, and it should be
evident to a viewer which ones of the icons 274 are associated with
which ones of the search result links 272. As shown in FIG. 27, a
preview window 280 opens when a cursor "mouses over" one of the
icons 274 and is inserted and forms part of the "Blogs & Feeds"
results view 266A. "Mousing over" is a term that is commonly
understood in the art, and generally means the positioning of a
cursor at a particular location without clicking a button on a
mouse that is used for positioning the cursor at the selected
location. The preview window 280 opens within the "Blogs &
Feeds" results view 266A of FIG. 26. The following is an example of
an RSS file:
TABLE-US-00001 <rss version="2.0"> - <channel>
<title>MotorTorque Latest News</title>
<link>http://www.askaprice.com/torque.asp</link> -
<description> MotorTorque - The very latest motoring news,
reviews, features and car launches </description>
<language>en-gb</language>
<copyright>Askaprice.com</copyright>
<pubDate>15/12/2006 17:18:08</pubDate>
<ttl>60</ttl> - <item> <title>New Audi TT
Roadster 2.0 TFSI</title> - <link>
http://www.askaprice.com/torque-
article.asp?article=New%20Audi%20TT%20Roadster%202.0%20TFSI&item=2467
</link> - <description> <a
href=`http://www.askaprice.com/audi.asp`><a
href=`http://www.askaprice.com/audi.asp`><a
href=`http://www.askaprice.com/audi.asp`><a
href=`http://www.askaprice.com/audi.asp`>Audi</a></a></a-
></a>'s convertible has its work cut out following the
Coupe and is facing tough competition in the soft-top market
</description> <pubDate>15 December
2006</pubDate> </item> - <item>
<title>Volkswagen herald green fleet</title> -
<link> http://www.askaprice.com/torque-
article.asp?article=Volkswagen%20herald%20green%20fleet&item=2466
</link> - <description> German manufacturer releases
details of a raft of greener models utilising hybrid technology,
biofuels and fuel cells </description> <pubDate>15
December 2006</pubDate> </item> - <item>
<title>EU votes to slash diesel emissions</title> -
<link> http://www.askaprice.com/torque-
article.asp?article=EU%20votes%20to%20slash%20diesel%20emissions&item=2465
</link> - <description> European Union hails good move
for environment but manufacturers say motorists will be hit in
pocket </description> <pubDate>15 December
2006</pubDate> </item> - <item>
<title>Honda Accord Coupe Concept</title> -
<link> http://www.askaprice.com/torque-
article.asp?article=Honda%20Accord%20Coupe%20Concept&item=2464
</link> - <description> New concept to launch in
January suggests future styling hints for Accord series
</description> <pubDate>15 December
2006</pubDate> </item> - <item> <title>Kia
unveils new direction with Kue Concept</title> - <link>
http://www.askaprice.com/torque-
article.asp?article=Kia%20unveils%20new%20direction%20with%20Kue%20Concept
&item=2460 </link> - <description> South Korean
company to reveal "Compact Utility Vehicle", inviting speculation
over future Kia designs </description> <pubDate>14
December 2006</pubDate> </item> - <item>
<title>Chevrolet consider European debut for
Camaro</title> - <link>
http://www.askaprice.com/torque-
article.asp?article=Chevrolet%20consider%20European%20debut%20for%20Camaro
&item=2459 </link> - <description> GM mulls all-new
version of the award-winning Concept for European market after fan
petitions </description> <pubDate>14 December
2006</pubDate> </item> - <item>
<title>Motorists who use mobiles could face
prison</title> - <link>
http://www.askaprice.com/torque-
article.asp?article=Motorists%20who%20use%20mobiles%20could%20face%20priso-
n &item=2458 </link> - <description> Under proposed
changes to the law motorists who kill while using mobile phones or
tuning a car radio could face a life sentence </description>
<pubDate>14 December 2006</pubDate> </item> -
<item> <title>Saab celebrate anniversary in
style</title> - <link> http://www.askaprice.com/torque-
article.asp?article=Saab%20celebrate%20anniversary%20in%20style&item=2457
</link> - <description> The Swedish manufacturer
launches special editions of 9-3 and 9-5 series with raft of unique
features worth .English Pound.3K at no cost to buyers
</description> <pubDate>13 December
2006</pubDate> </item> - <item>
<title>Nissan blueprint for greener future</title> -
<link> http://www.askaprice.com/torque-
article.asp?article=Nissan%20blueprint%20for%20greener%20future&item=2456
</link> - <description> <a
href=`http://www.askaprice.com/nissan.asp`>Nissan</a>
target carbon emissions with plan for more fuel-efficient, hybrid
and electric vehicles </description> <pubDate>13
December 2006</pubDate> </item> - <item>
<title>Ford unveil sneak preview of new C-MAX</title> -
<link> http://www.askaprice.com/torque-
article.asp?article=Ford%20unveil%20sneak%20preview%20of%20new%20C-
MAX&item=2454 </link> - <description> <a
href=`http://www.askaprice.com/ford.asp`>Ford</a>
previewed the new C-MAX at the Bologna Motor Show, unveiling a
smart and sporty new look for the compact MPV </description>
<pubDate>13 December 2006</pubDate> </item>
</channel> </rss>
[0100] The source code for the preview window 280 includes RSS feed
information that is used for generating an image 282 within the
preview window 280. Only the RSS feed information is used for
generating the content of the preview window 280.
[0101] The preview window 280 includes a frame 284 around the image
282, a vertical scroll bar 286, a horizontal scroll bar 288, and a
"Close" selector 290 within the frame 284. The user can move the
cursor off the icon 274 that was used to open the preview window
280, and the preview window 280 does not dose. The user can, for
example, move the cursor to the search view links 270 or any other
location inside or outside the preview window 280, and the preview
window 280 does not close.
[0102] FIG. 28 illustrates what happens when the user selects and
drags the vertical scroll bar 286 down. The image 282 of FIG. 27
moves upwardly out of the preview window 280, and text 292 appears
within the preview window 280. The text 292 is also generated using
the RSS feed information. The horizontal scroll bar 288 can also be
used to scroll horizontally within the preview window 280.
[0103] The user may at any stage In FIG. 27 or 28 select the
"Close" selector 290. The preview window 280 closes upon selection
of the "Close" selector 290, and the "Blogs & Feeds" results
view 266A appears as in FIG. 26.
[0104] FIG. 29 illustrates server and client site interaction
during FIGS. 26, 27, and 28. At Step 300, the browser 10 detects
mouse-over at the client site and the particular location of the
mouse-over. At Step 302, a mouse-over command is submitted from the
client site to the server. At Step 304, the mouse-over command is
received at the server. At Step 306, the server transmits the
preview window and the feed information from the server to the
client site. At Step 308, the preview window is automatically
opened at the client site. At Step 310, the user can optionally
scroll through the preview window. At Step 312, the user transmits
a "Close" command from the client site by selecting the "Close"
selector 290. At Step 314, the "Close" command is received at the
server. At Step 316, the server removes the preview window at the
client site.
[0105] FIG. 30 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in
the exemplary form of the client computer 206 within which a set of
instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of
the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed. In alternative
embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device or may be
connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked
deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or
a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a
peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network
environment. The machine may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet
PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a
cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or
bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions
(sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that
machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the
term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of
machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple
sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the
methodologies discussed herein. The server or serves 204 in FIG. 15
may also include one or more machines as shown in FIG. 30.
[0106] The exemplary client computer 206 includes a processor 330
(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit
(GPU), or both), a main memory 332 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM),
flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as
synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc.), and a
static memory 334 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory
(SRAM), etc.), which communicate with each other via a bus 336.
[0107] The client computer 206 may former include a video display
338 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube
(CRT)). The client computer 206 also includes an alpha-numeric
input device 340 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 342
(e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 344, a signal generation device
346 (e.g., a speaker), and a network interface device 348.
[0108] The disk drive unit 344 includes a machine-readable medium
350 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 352 (e.g.,
software) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or
functions described herein. The software may also reside,
completely or at least partially, within the main memory 332 and/or
within the processor 330 during execution thereof by the client
computer 206, the main memory 332 and the processor 330 also
constituting machine-readable media. The software may further be
transmitted or received over a network 354 via the network
interface device 348.
[0109] While the machine-readable medium 352 is shown in an
exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term
"machine-readable medium" should be taken to include a single
medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed
database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one
or more sets of instructions. The term "machine-readable medium"
shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of
storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution
by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or
more of the methodologies of the present invention. The term
"machine-readable medium" shall accordingly be taken to include,
but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic
media, and carrier wave signals,
[0110] FIG. 31 illustrates the same browser 10 of FIG. 1, but with
a user interface 512 according to another embodiment of the
invention. The view of the user interface 512 shown in FIG. 31 has
a larger search area 514 on the left and a smaller content area 516
on the right. The search area 514 and the content area 516 together
make up the entire surface area of the user interface 512. A
vertical separator bar 520 forms a border 520 between the search
area 512 and the content area 516.
[0111] The user interface 512 further includes a logo 556, a search
box 558, a search button 560, static text 562, and informational
links 564, all located within the search area 514. The logo 556 in
the present example is a trademark of the company, Ask.com.TM., and
the information links 564 are links to informational sites of the
same company. The mouse can be placed in the search box 558 and,
after clicking a button on the mouse, the keyboard can be used to
enter text into the search box 558. The mouse can then be used to
select the search button 560. A search is then carried out on a
search database that holds information regarding websites across
the Internet and other Internet-based databases. The search results
from the different databases are combined. The search results will
depend, on whether a search can be carried out in a particular
database.
[0112] The content area 516 includes downloaded content 570. The
content 570 in the view of FIG. 31 includes a "Today" page, and the
"Today" page includes text and images. The content 570 is as wide
as the content area 516 in a horizontal direction, but is larger
than the content area 516 in a vertical direction. The browser 10
detects that the content 570 is larger man the content area 516,
and renders a vertical scroll bar 574.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 32, a user can position a cursor 576 on the
vertical scroll bar 574, and drag the vertical scroll bar 574. The
content 570 moves vertically upward when the vertical scroll bar
574 is moved vertically down. An upper portion of the content 570
moves off a top edge of the content area 516, and a portion of the
content 570 appears above a lower edge of the content area 516. The
user is thus allows to view areas of the content 570 that cannot
fit within the content area 516.
[0114] What should also be noted is that the content area 516 and
the search area 514 do not move relative to one another while
moving the content 570 within the content area 516. The search area
514 and the content area 516 are also stationary relative to the
browser 10 when the content 570 moves. The logo 556, search box
558, search button 560, static text 562, and informational links
564 also do not move relative to the search area 514 while moving
the content 570. The user is thus permitted to move the content 570
without moving any other components of the user interface 512.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 33, the vertical scroll bar 574 can again
be moved vertically upward to move the content 570 vertically down.
When comparing FIG. 33 and FIG. 31, it can be seen that the view in
FIG. 33 returns the user interface 512 to the view shown in FIG.
31.
[0116] FIG. 34 illustrates what occurs over a period of less than
three seconds after the vertical separator bar forming the border
520 in the view of FIG. 33 forming the border between, the search
area 514 and the content area 516 is selected. As shown in the view
of FIG. 34, the logo 556, search box 558, search button 560, static
text 562, informational links 564, and the content 570 of FIG. 33
have faded out. The vertical separator bar forming the border 520
in the view of FIG. 33 progressively moves or "slides" from right
to left while remaining vertical.
[0117] The view in FIG. 35 appears after the view of FIG. 34 and
within three seconds of the view of FIG. 33. The view in FIG. 35
has a search area 514A that is narrower and therefore has a smaller
surface area than the search area 514 of FIG. 33. The view in FIG.
35 also has a content area 516A that is wider and therefore has a
larger surface area than the content area 516 of FIG. 33.
[0118] New content 570A fades into the content area 516A. The
content 570A in the view of FIG. 35 is more detailed than the
content 570 in the view of FIG. 33. For example, it can be seen
that the Image at the top in the content 570 in the view of FIG. 33
is included at the top of the content 570A in the view of FIG. 35,
but is now in higher resolution and is correspondingly larger. It
can also be seen that the content 570 includes additional text and
images that are not present in the content 570 of the view of FIG.
33.
[0119] A new logo 556A and search box 558A have faded into the
search area 514A, together with the content 570A in the content
area 516A. The search box 558A and the search button 560A in the
view of FIG. 35 are smaller than the search box 558 and the search
button 560, respectively, in the view of FIG. 33.
[0120] The viewer can again in the user interface 512 in the view
of FIG. 35 select the vertical separator bar forming the border
520. Upon selection of the verb cat separator bar forming the
border 520, the content 570A, logo 556A, search box 558A, and
search button 560A fade out and the border 520 slides to the right.
In less than three seconds, the user interface 512 is transformed
from the view shown in FIG. 35 back to the view shown in FIG. 33.
The content 570, logo 556, search box 558, search button 560,
static text 562, and informational links 564 all fade back into the
content area 516 and the search area 514.
[0121] The ability for the user to alternate between the view of
FIG. 33 and the view of FIG. 35 allows to the user to either use
the user interface 512 in the view of FIG. 33, which is primarily a
search interface with minimal content or to use the user interface
512 in the view of FIG. 35, which holds a large amount of content,
without the larger search box 558 of FIG. 33, the static text 562,
or the informational links 564.
[0122] FIG. 36 illustrates server and client interaction before
rendering the views of FIGS. 33, 34, and 35. At Step 580, the
server provides the view of FIG. 33 to the client site. At Step
590, the client site transmits a view update command to the server.
The view update command is transmitted when the vertical separator
bar forming the border 520 is selected. At Step 592, the server
receives the view update command. At Step 594, the server responds
to the view update command by providing the views of FIGS. 34 and
35 sequentially to the client site.
[0123] As shown in FIG. 37, the vertical scroll bar 574 can be
selected by a user and be dragged vertically down, which moves the
content 570A vertically up. The content 570A is larger in the
vertical direction than the content area 516A, and movement of the
vertical scroll bar 574 allows for positioning of different areas
of the content 570A within, the content area 516. What should be
noted is that the content 570A moves relative to the stationary
content area 516A, stationary search area 514A, stationary logo
556A, stationary search box 558A, stationary search button 560A,
and stationary browser 10 apart from the vertical scroll bar 574 of
the browser 10.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 38, the vertical scroll bar 574 can be
moved vertically up to move the content 570A vertically down into
the same position within the content area 516A as shown in the view
of FIG. 35.
[0125] As further shown in FIG. 38, a user at the client site
enters a search query or search request into the search box 558A.
Referring to FIG. 15, a search request command and the query are
transmitted from the client computer 206 over the Internet 202B
using the user interface 12 to the search engine 220. The search
engine 220 then parses the search databases 216 and structured
databases 218 with the query. Should a response be received from
any one of the databases 216 or 218, the search engine 220 returns
the search results to the user interface 12.
[0126] FIG. 39 illustrates new content 570B that appears within the
content area 516A. The content 570B includes the search results
that are pushed by the search engine 220 in FIG. 15 after receiving
responses from a subset of the databases 216 and 218.
[0127] It should be noted at this stage that the exact same view of
FIG. 39 can be obtained by entering the same search query into the
search boxes 558 of FIGS. 30, 31, and 32, or the search boxes 558A
of FIG. 35, 37, or 38. When the user interface 512 is used in the
view of FIG. 31, 32, or 33, the content 570 fades out, the vertical
separator bar forming the border 520 slides across as discussed
with reference to FIG. 34, and the content 570B fades into the
content area 516A.
[0128] The content 570B is larger than the content area 516A. The
vertical scroll bar 574 can be moved to bring different areas of
the content 570B into and move other areas of the content 570B curt
of the content area 516A.
[0129] The search results of the content 5706 depend on which ones
of the databases 216 and 218 in FIG. 15 are parseable. In the
present example, the portion of the content 570B includes search
results relating to general Internet documents from a "Web"
database among the search databases 216, images from an "Image"
database among the search databases, news from a "News" database
among the search databases 216, and blogs and feeds from a "Blogs
& Feeds" database among the search databases 216. The general
Internet documents are located within a left-hand column within the
content area 516A, and the images, news, and blogs and feeds search
results are located within a right-hand column within the content
area 516A.
[0130] The view of FIG. 39 further includes the logo 556A, the
search box 558A, and the search button 560A within the search area
514A, which are located in exactly the same locations as the logo
556A, search box 558A, and search button 560.A in the view of FIG.
38. There is thus a level of persistence within the search area
514A, although the content 570A in the content area 516A is
replaced with the content 570B.
[0131] Referring again to FIG. 15, the reference sources 224 are
connected to the search engine 220. The reference sources 224
include reference sources for natural language processing,
narrowing of search queries, expanding on search queries, search
suggestions, spelling correction, etc. Referring again to FIG. 39,
it can be seen that a plurality of narrowing search suggestions 602
and a plurality of expanding search suggestions 604 are included
under a respective heading 606 and 608 as text in the page forming
part of the search area 514A. When comparing the view of FIG. 39
with the view of FIG. 35, it can be seen that the narrowing and
expanding search suggestions 602 and 604 and the headings 606 and
608 only appear after entering the search query in the search box
558A. The search engine 220 in FIG. 15 extracts the narrowing
search suggestions 602 and the expanding search suggestions 604
from two of the reference sources 224.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 40A, the user now enters a first character
for a new search in the search box 558A. The narrowing search
suggestions 602 and the expanding search suggestions 604 relating
to the search conducted in the view of FIG. 38 remain in the view
of FIG. 40A. The heading 606 is positioned directly below the
search box 558A.
[0133] As shown in FIG. 40B, the user now enters a second character
of a search request in the search box 558A. The search request is
thus not fully entered in the search box 558A. The two characters
thus represent a first partial search query. Referring to FIG. 15,
the partial search query is transmitted over the Internet 202B to
the search engine 220. The search engine 220 then enters the
partial search request into one of the reference sources 224
holding search suggestions. The search engine 220 then extracts a
plurality of search suggestions corresponding to the partial search
query from the respective reference source 224 holding search
suggestions. The search engine 220 then transmits the search
suggestions to the user interface 12, and the user interface 12 is
updated over the Internet 202B on the client computer 206.
[0134] Referring again to FIG. 40B, the heading 606 is positioned
lower with respect to the search box 558A than in FIG. 40A. A
heading 610 is inserted directly below the search box 558A. Search
suggestions 612 are inserted directly below the heading 610 and
above the heading 606. The search suggestions 612 are the search
suggestions extracted from the respective reference source 224 in
FIG. 15. The search suggestions 612 are text positioned in the page
forming part of the search area 514 of the user interface 512.
[0135] Each one of the search suggestions 612 is selectable by
positioning a cursor on the respective search suggestion 612 and
clicking a button, on a mouse. Upon selection of the respective
search suggestion 612, a search command is transmitted from the
client computer 206 in FIG. 15 over the Internet 202B to the search
engine 220. The search engine 220 then conducts a search in the
search databases 216 and the structured databases 218 using the
selected search suggestion. The search engine 220 then transmits
the search results over the Internet 202B to the client computer
206, and the search results are displayed in the content area 516.
In the present example, a user can, for example, select one of the
search suggestions "tia knight," and search suggestions
corresponding to "tia knight" will be displayed within the content
area 516A. Alternatively, the user may select the search button
560A or press "Enter" on a keyboard, and receive search results
corresponding to the partial query "ti" entered in the search box
558A.
[0136] FIGS. 40C and 40D illustrate further progression of the
partial search query in the search box 558A. In FIG. 40C, the
partial search query includes four characters, and in FIG. 40D, the
partial search query includes eight characters. Upon each entry of
a character, the search suggestions 612 are updated according to
the process described with reference to FIG. 40B.
[0137] FIG. 41 illustrates client and server interaction during the
process illustrated with reference to FIGS. 40A to 40D. At Step
620, a user enters a partial search request in the search box 558A.
In Step 622, the partial search request is transmitted from the
client site to the server. In Step 624, the server receives the
partial search request from the client site. In Step 626, the
server uses the partial search request to extract search
suggestions from one of the reference sources 224. In Step 628, the
server transmits the search suggestions to the user interface. At
Step 630, the search suggestions are added to the user interface,
and the user interface is transmitted to the client site. Steps 620
through 630 can be repeated as the partial search request is
updated, as described with reference to FIGS. 40C and 40D. At Step
632, the user selects one of the search suggestions. At Step 634, a
search command is transmitted from the client site, indicating
selection of one of the search suggestions. At Step 636, the search
engine receives the search command and the selected search
suggestion. At Step 638, the search engine parses the search
databases and structured databases. At Step 640, the search engine
transmits search results back to the client site. At Step 642, the
search results are displayed at the client site.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 42, the content 570B includes search
results 650, 652, 654, and 656 that are responsive to a search
query entered in the search box 558A in the view of FIG. 38. The
content 570B also includes a plurality of headings 658, 660, 662,
and 664. The content area 516A can be divided up into a plurality
of substantially rectangular category areas 666, 668, 670, and 672.
The category area 666 includes the heading 658 and the search
results 650. Similarly, the category area 668 includes the heading
660 and the search results 652, the category area 670 includes the
heading 662 and the search results 654, and the category area 672
includes the heading 664 and the search results 656.
[0139] Each one of the search results 650, 652, 654, and 656 is for
a separate category. The search results 652 in this example are
images from an image database among the search databases 216 in
FIG. 15. The search, results 650, 654, and 656 are general Internet
search results, "News" search results, and "Blogs & Feeds"
search results, respectively, and from respective ones of the
databases 216 and 218 in FIG. 15.
[0140] When comparing FIGS. 42 and 40D, it can be seen that a
cursor 20 is moved into the category area 668. By moving the cursor
20 into the category area 668, a search icon 674 becomes visible
within, and in that manner associated with, the category area 668.
Similar icons do not appear in any one of the category areas 666,
670, or 672.
[0141] FIG. 43 illustrates the user interface 512 after selection
of the search icon 674 in FIG. 42. The search results 652 of FIG.
42 are removed from the category area 668. A search box 676 and a
search button 678 appear within the category area 668. A user can
enter a category-specific search query within the search box 676.
The user can then select the search button 678 or press "Enter" on
a keyboard. The content 570B then fades out of view and is replaced
with new content (not shown). The new content includes primarily
category-specific search results. In the present example, the
category-specific search results are images responsive to the
category-specific search query entered into the search box 676 of
FIG. 43. The content within the search area 514A is also replaced
to match the category-specific search query entered into the search
box 676.
[0142] FIG. 44 illustrates the user interface 512 when a
category-specific search is not conducted using the search box 676
and, instead, the cursor 20 is used to open an additional search
box 680 and search button 682 within the category area 670, and is
used to open a search box 684 and search button 686 within the
category area 672. As shown in FIG. 46, a category-specific search
query can, for example, be entered into the search box 680. After
entering of the category-specific search query within the search
box 680, a user can either select the search button 682 or press
"Enter" on a keyboard to receive category-specific search results,
in the present example, "News" search results.
[0143] FIG. 45 illustrates client and server interaction
corresponding to the process for FIG. 43. The flow chart of FIG. 45
may directly follow after the flow chart of FIG. 41. At Step 691, a
user mouses over a category area e.g., the category area 668, with
the cursor 20. At Step 692, the search icon 674 is automatically
brought into view. At Step 693, the user selects the search icon
674 to bring the search box 676 and the search button 678 into
view. At Step 694, the user enters a category-specific search query
into the search box 676. In Step 695, after selecting the search
button 678 or pressing "Enter" on a keyboard, a category-specific
search command and the category-specific search query are
transmitted from the client site. At Step 696, the server receives
the category-specific search command and the category-specific
search query. At Step 697, the server parses the category-specific
database 216 or 218 in FIG. 15 to extract category-specific search
results. In Step 698, the server transmits the category-specific
search results from the server to the client site.
[0144] FIG. 46 illustrates the user interface 512 after conducting
a search, in the present example by entering the search query
"angelina jolie" with the user interface, for example in the view
shown in FIG. 31. As with the view in FIG. 42 of the user interface
512, the view in FIG. 46 has a plurality of categories 650A, 652A,
654A, and 656A under respective headings 658A, 660A, 662A, and
664A. A source-selection link 700 is located within the same
category area as the search results 652A under the heading 660A
"Profile." The source-selection link 700 is in this manner
associated with the search results 652A under the heading 660A. The
source-selection link 700 is selectable by positioning a cursor
over the source-selection link 700 and clicking a button on a
mouse,
[0145] FIG. 47 illustrates the user interface 512 after selecting
the source-selection link 700 in the view of FIG. 46. The content
area 516A and the search area 514A are grayed out, and a
source-selection area 702 opens. The source-selection area 702 is a
window that is smaller than and located within a window of the user
interface 512. The source-selection area 702 includes a source
selector 704, a source preview 706, a "Submit" button 708, and a
"Cancel" button 710. The source selector 704 has a plurality of
sources 712 that are listed below one another. In the view of FIG.
48, the first source at the top is selected, and the source preview
706 displays a preview of content from the selected source 712 at
the top.
[0146] Referring now to FIG. 48, a user can select another one of
the sources 712, in the present example, the source second from the
top. The source preview 706 replaces the preview of FIG. 47 with a
preview of the source 712 second from the top. The viewer can then
either select the "Cancel" button 710 to return the user interface
to the view shown in FIG. 46, or select the "Submit" button 708 to
change from the first source 712 listed at the top to the source
712 second from the top.
[0147] FIG. 49 shows a view of the user interface 512 after
selecting the "Submit" button 708 in FIG. 48. When comparing FIGS.
59 and 46, it can be seen that the name on the source selection
link 700 has been changed from the name of the source 712 at the
top in FIG. 47 to the name of the source second from the top. It
can also be seen that the search results 652A in FIG. 46
corresponding to the source preview 706 in FIG. 47 have been
replaced with search results 652B shown in the source preview 706
in FIG. 48.
[0148] A user can then conduct a subsequent search, for example by
entering the name of the actress "Madonna" in the search box 558A.
The content within the content window 516A will then be replaced
with search results corresponding to "Madonna." Moreover, search
results under a heading "Profile" will automatically be from the
source 712 second from the top in FIG. 47, and a source selector
will be displayed with the same name as the source selection link
700 shown in the view of FIG. 49.
[0149] FIG. 50 illustrates client and server interaction during a
preliminary search to obtain the search results in the view of FIG.
46, subsequently to change the source as described with reference
to FIGS. 47 through 49, and thereafter when conducting a subsequent
search.
[0150] At Step 720, a first search is conducted to obtain search
results including from a first source, as discussed with reference
to FIGS. 46 and 31. In Step 722, the source selection link 700 is
selected. In Step 724, the source-selection area 702 opens. In Step
726, a user selects one of the sources 712. In Step 728, the user
can either select the "Cancel" button 710 or the "Submit" button
708. In Step 730, the source selection is transmitted from the
client site to the server. In Step 732, the source selection is
received at the server. In Step 734, the server replaces the search
results 652A in FIG. 46 with the search results 652B in FIG. 49,
i.e., for the same category, and updates the name of the source
selection link 700 from the name shown in FIG. 46 to the name shown
in FIG. 49. In Step 736, the user can then conduct a subsequent
search and obtain search results 712 including search results from
the second source selected in the view of FIG. 48.
[0151] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and
shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that
such embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the
current invention, and that this invention is not restricted to the
specific constructions and arrangements shown and described since
modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.
* * * * *
References